November 10 is the World Science Day.

World Science Day is celebrated this year under the motto “Science is human rights.” This topic is dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Status of Scientific and Research Workers (1974, 2017). This year’s theme reminds the world community of the right of everybody to engage in scientific activities and to benefit from the wellbeing of science in society.

UNESCO Director-General Odri Azule addressed the public on World Science Day. The appeal states that the high growth rate of scientific progress over the past decade has led to radical changes in people’s living conditions. The development of science and its achievements determine all aspects of human life. The introduction of innovations opens new opportunities for society’s development, improves people’s health, and facilitates living conditions. Scientific progress has been a factor in further advancement of economic development and material wellbeing.

Odri Azulen’s appeal mentions that scientific achievements are the common asset of humanity and the right of everyone to use these achievements.

It should be noted that the idea to celebrate Science Day at the international level appeared in the middle of the last century, but for the first time science and peace week was organized by a NGO in 1986. The successful conclusion of this initiative encouraged organizers to turn it into tradition. In 1988, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on the organization of the International Science and Peace Week.

The decision to hold the World Science Day at the 31st session of the UNESCO General Conference in 2001 was officially announced in 2001, and since 2002 it has been celebrated in many countries around the world. The main goal here is to raise the role of science in international and national levels, as well as to increase the impact of science on the peaceful, sustainable development of society.

Among the countries that made great contributions to world science, Azerbaijan has made significant progress in science and education. Because one of the main directions of state policy in our country is consistent continuation of care for science and education, preservation of scientific and technical potential. Today it is one of the most pressing issues for the preparation of highly qualified personnel in the fields of science and education and the adoption of a number of important decisions in the field of raising the authority of scientific workers in the society. Taking important steps in increasing the weight of science and education in the national product of Azerbaijan, directing capital resources to a rich scientific base, and personnel potential creates favorable conditions for new approaches in science and education, and the successes in this direction.